😱 Stop Making Shorts! (Until You Read This)

Most creators face the same issue: 

They think that YouTube Shorts is about creating as much content as possible. 

That's for 2 main reasons:

1. They see the rapid-fire nature of short-form content and assume quantity trumps quality.

2. They're afraid of missing out on trends and feel pressured to post constantly.

 = They end up burning out and producing mediocre content that doesn't resonate. 

I don’t want that for any of you.

So - If I was a new creator trying to grow my audience on YouTube Shorts, here’s a step-by-step of what I would do:

Step 1: Triple Threat Strategy

Don't limit yourself to just one type of content. The optimal strategy is to do it all:

1. Long-form videos

2. Dedicated Shorts

3. Cut-downs from long-form

This "triple threat" approach maximises your reach and revenue potential.

A. Long-form videos 

While Shorts are great for channel growth, they're not so great for cash returns ($0.01 - $0.06 per 1000 views).

Long-form videos are crucial for:

• Building deeper relationships with your subscribers

• Generating better ad revenue

B. Dedicated Shorts 

Here's something many creators overlook:

Put the same amount of time, thought, and effort into short-form vertical videos as you do for long-form.

• Plan your Shorts carefully

• Script them

• Use high-quality visuals and editing

Most of my viral Shorts are videos I put significant effort into, not just quick cut-downs.

When you treat Shorts with the same respect as long-form, they can do massive numbers.

C. Cut-downs from long-form 

When filming your long-form content, capture extra "Shorts-friendly" moments. 

For example, if you're making a 20-minute cooking video, film a separate 15-second clip showcasing the most visually appealing part of the process, like the final plating or a tricky technique. 

Edit this clip into a compelling Short, ensuring it stands alone but leaves viewers wanting more.

You could show the amazing end result but tease that the full recipe is in your long-form video.

Here’s how this might look:

1 Full video could = 3-5 Shorts, each highlighting a different aspect:

1. Teaser Short: Showcase the most intriguing part

2. How-to Short: Share a quick tip from the full video

3. Behind-the-scenes Short: Give a glimpse of the production process

4. Results Short: Show the outcome or conclusion

5. Bloopers Short: Share funny outtakes (if applicable)

Step 2: Write my hook

You’ve only got 3 seconds to earn someone's attention: 

• Use bold visuals, ask an intriguing question, or make a surprising statement. 

On YouTube, Shorts are competing for attention not just with other Shorts, but with long-form videos on the home page and in search results.

Meaning - your hook needs to be more eye-catching and descriptive to stand out than on TikTok or Instagram.

Here’s an example: “GTA 6 GRAPHICS ARE INSANE 🤯 Leaked Gameplay”

Step 3: End the Short with a clear call-to-action

Guide viewers on what to do next, whether it's checking out your full-length content, following your channel, or trying something themselves. 

You could say something like, "Want to see the full recipe? Link in bio!" 

If each Short ends with a call-to-action driving viewers back to the full video for the complete experience - your content gets more reach and gives viewers multiple entry points to your long-form video.

Which in the end = more $$$

Catch you next time,

Jeremy

P.S. I've set up a quick poll below. 

It'd be awesome if you could take a second to answer - it'll help me tailor future newsletters to what you need most.